Tourism Bus Services

Posted by Admin on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009, 00:00

The Government has issued guidance that the concessionary fares scheme for local bus travel should not apply to services which are primarily provided as tourist routes or as tours. This change will take place on the Island with effect from 15 May 2009.

From that date therefore, the concessionary bus fare scheme will not apply to those services marketed by Southern Vectis as the Island Coaster, Needles Breezer, Downs Breezer, Medina Breezer and Sandown Bay Breezer or services run for special events. English National Free passes, New Islander Cards and Student Rider passes will not be accepted for travel on these services.

Concessionary travel will continue to be funded on all other local bus services including travel before 9.30 in the mornings, rather than limiting the scheme to fund only off-peak travel. The Council scheme also includes people with a serious and enduring mental illness and carers accompanying those who qualify and who cannot travel unaccompanied.

“We remain committed to supporting public transport and invest millions of pounds of public money supporting the concessionary bus fare scheme,” said Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport.